Massarella honoured at Olympia

The world of equestrianism has paid tribute to one of its favourite personalities at Olympia.

A host of past and present riders turned up to watch Ronnie Massarella, long-serving manager of the British show jumping team, receive four special awards in recognition of his services to the sport.

The most prestigious was the famous Aga Khan Cup, which Massarella claimed four times during the 1980s in charge of the winning team in the Dublin Nations Cup.

Since then the magnificent gold trophy has resided at the British Show Jumping Association's headquarters in Warwickshire.

When Britain won the replacement trophy on a further three consecutive occasions a decade ago Massarella expected to keep the trophy. However, it had to be returned to Ireland when the third winning team was later disqualified on a technicality.

Now at last the man who spent 30 years steering the British team to numerous Nations Cup triumphs and championship gold medals will get to keep one of the sport's most historic and coveted trophies.